God's Intention for the World
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
JOHN 3:16
+
God's Intention for the World
In these words you hear even more forcibly and clearly what God's will and intention is toward the world, that is, toward those who have sin and because of it are already under the judgment and verdict of damnation. He takes out of the way everything that wants to frighten us because of sins. He says simply and clearly that Christ was sent and His kingdom was established not so that He would condemn and damn. This judgment and verdict were already there over all people through the Law, because they are all born in sin, are already sentenced to death and the hangman with his rope, and the only thing lacking is for the sword to be drawn. Then Christ steps into the middle at God's command, orders judge and jailer to leave off, and rescues and makes alive those who were condemned. The reason He comes is to help the world, which He finds already damned. This is shown also by the words He speaks—"in order to save the world"—for that is enough for us to understand that the world must have been damned. Why else does it need to be saved?
From the Church Postil, sermon for Pentecost Monday on John 3:16-21 (Luther's Works 77:376)
JOHN 3:16
+
God's Intention for the World
In these words you hear even more forcibly and clearly what God's will and intention is toward the world, that is, toward those who have sin and because of it are already under the judgment and verdict of damnation. He takes out of the way everything that wants to frighten us because of sins. He says simply and clearly that Christ was sent and His kingdom was established not so that He would condemn and damn. This judgment and verdict were already there over all people through the Law, because they are all born in sin, are already sentenced to death and the hangman with his rope, and the only thing lacking is for the sword to be drawn. Then Christ steps into the middle at God's command, orders judge and jailer to leave off, and rescues and makes alive those who were condemned. The reason He comes is to help the world, which He finds already damned. This is shown also by the words He speaks—"in order to save the world"—for that is enough for us to understand that the world must have been damned. Why else does it need to be saved?
From the Church Postil, sermon for Pentecost Monday on John 3:16-21 (Luther's Works 77:376)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Not AshamedIn Every RespectWe Are In His HouseHear His VoiceTodayBut You BelieveRest in ChristRest in FaithRest in Christ’s WordConfidence in Our Great High PriestOur Eternal High PriestCalled by GracePerfect Through SufferingA Little MilkFoundationGod Comes to UsFaith in ChristObtaining the PromiseThe King of PeaceBlessed by the SuperiorA Priest Forever in ChristThe Forever PriestA Better HopeOur Eternal IntercessorOur Perfect High PriestOur Eternal High PriestThe Better Covenant in ChristA New CovenantPromises KeptOnly The High PriestNot the Blood of Goats
February
Only at DeathOnce and For AllImpossibleThe Perfect SacrificeThe Once-for-All SacrificeOnce for AllForgiven Once for AllDraw Near with a True HeartA Fearful ThingRemembering with JoyEnduranceOf Things Not SeenBecause of LoveBy FaithThe Builder is GodAs Good As DeadStrangers HereFaith in the God Who ProvidesFaith Looks Beyond the PresentBy Faith, Not FearBy Faith, Not by SightFaith That EnduresPerfected in ChristEyes on JesusDisciplineCast His Eye On YouIt HurtsWeak Knees
March
Strive for PeaceNo Fire For YouMount ZionAn Unshakable KingdomA Kingdom That Cannot Be ShakenBrotherly Love in ChristConfidence in ChristSteadfast in ChristOutside the CampSacrifices of PraiseJoyful Obedience in ChristPray for Your PastorsEquipped by the Blood of ChristEncouragement in ChristGrace Be With You AllGod’s Sovereign HandFaithful in a Foreign LandFaithful in the Small ThingsTrusting GodWisdom from AboveEarthly Wisdom Fails, But Christ ReignsTrue Wisdom and the CrossThe Wisdom of Man FailsConfidence in God's MercyGod of Mercy and MightA Deliverer Sent by GodNo Wisdom but ChristThe Kingdom That EnduresThe Rock That Stands ForeverEarthly Kingdoms CrumbleThe Kingdom That Stands Forever